We’re seeking Aboriginal artists, architects, filmmakers, sound designers and other creatives to redefine Redfern Terrace as a place for storytelling and to reimagine the building for the community.
You can work independently or in collaboration with Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal creatives to form a team.
“Located in the heart of Redfern, this is a significant project for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” curator Emily McDaniel said.
This project will engage with past and present day cultural, social and political stories, from the daily lives of residents to significant community enterprises and local events that made national headlines.
Artists can apply for up to $750,000 as a team to bring this idea to life. You’ll need to demonstrate strength and originality in your approach and methodology. This will include observation of Aboriginal consultation and cultural protocols. Previous experience working with teams to produce high quality art projects in local communities is a must.
Concepts could include:
- a museum
- artist studio
- artwork
Whatever your idea is, it should be somewhere the local community can share knowledge and creativity.
About the building
Redfern Terrace is one of 3 significant City of Sydney Aboriginal spaces in the Redfern area, including the Redfern Community Centre and 119 Redfern Street.
We intend Redfern Terrace will provide the community with something entirely different to these other spaces.
Built in the 1880s, the building on the corner of Caroline and Hugo streets was once a shop and residence, and then used by the neighbouring sawmill as a dressing room and storage space before standing vacant.
Currently the building is adorned with the iconic Welcome to Redfern mural, completed by Reko Rennie and young local Aboriginal artists in 2013.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the living museum would deliver on a promise made in the City of Sydney’s Eora Journey – a program of work promoting cultural, economic and social sustainability for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in our local area, including a series of major public artworks.
“Converting this old terrace in the heart of an area synonymous with First Nations community, culture and activism reflects our commitment to ensuring Redfern remains a proudly Aboriginal place,” Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO said.
“This project is inspired by the pride, courage and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and we hope it will become a landmark where important contemporary and historic Aboriginal stories are shared in a rapidly changing urban environment.
“As our city grows and more areas are developed, creating inviting places where the local community can come together and socialise is even more important,” the Lord Mayor said.
Artists briefing
An artists’ briefing and site visit will be held on site at the Redfern Terrace, 36 Caroline Street Redfern at 12.30pm-1.30pm, Tuesday 22 October 2024.
The briefing is an opportunity to hear from Eora Journey curator Emily McDaniel, City of Sydney manager of Aboriginal spaces Tracey Duncan, and City of Sydney design team employees, and ask questions about the project.
Artists are asked to arrive 15 minutes early.
Please register your attendance at the artists briefing by 5pm (Sydney time), Monday 21 October 2024, email Andrew Schaper at aschaper@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au.
How to apply
Get the artist brief and reference documents from Tenderlink.
Submit your proposal through Tenderlink by 11am (Sydney time) on Tuesday 19 November 2024. Get more information here.
Transforming the building is part of the City of Sydney’s Eora Journey program which includes a series of major public artworks by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.
The transformation of the Redfern Terrace also coincides with upgrades to 3 neighbourhood parks in the area, including the reserve where the building is located.
Want more?
See other creative grants and opportunities.
Take a look at our cultural support and funding programs.
Have you seen the growing collection of works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists in our city? Explore here
Read about City of Sydney's Eora Journey.
Published 17 October 2024, updated 22 October 2024
